Tummy Tuck and Mini Tuck

If you are unhappy with the shape of your tummy, there are options for you. While the best place to start is always diet and exercise, sometimes doing all of that still doesn’t get you the results that you want. For some people, weight loss leaves them with sagging, loose skin at the abdomen. For others, there is still a protruding “muffin top” regardless of weight loss and diligent exercise. These are the kinds of circumstances that make people consider a surgical option: a tummy tuck.

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that goes beyond the effects of liposuction to help create a flatter, more toned looking abdomen. It helps to flatten and shape the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles underneath. The best candidates for any kind of tummy tuck are people who have already reached a healthy and stable weight. There are two abdominoplasty options: a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck.

Mini tummy tucks, also called partial abdominoplasty, are best for those who have more minor issues with their abdominal area, such as a small amount of skin to be tightened or removed, or who do not have a significant protruding waistline. People who already have slim figures and are looking for a smoother abdominal profile are examples of the kind of person who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Because this is a “smaller” operation, this kind of abdominoplasty is sometimes called a “scarless” tummy tuck because the positioning of the incision needed is able to be well hidden. It is also important to note that a mini tummy tuck works for the lower abdomen but not the upper.

Traditional abdominoplasty is better for those who have more issues in the abdominal area. In addition to removing excess skin and fat, a traditional abdominoplasty can also restore weak or separated abdominal muscles in order to create a smoother, flatter stomach overall. This is a more invasive surgery than a mini tummy tuck, so recovery time is longer and there is potential for slightly more scarring (though your plastic surgeon will endeavor to make any scars as hidden or not noticeable as possible).

While either form of tummy tuck is a good option for women who have already been pregnant and who want to get their bellies back to pre-baby shape, if you are planning to become pregnant, it may be best to postpone your tuck. Abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles, and pregnancy often separates them. Similarly, anyone planning to continue losing a large amount of weight would be advised to postpone this type of surgery until they reach their healthy goal weight.

To see if you are a good candidate for either kind of tummy tuck surgery, call the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas today. We can talk about the results you want to achieve and how we can help you get them.

Abdominal Liposuction (Liposculpture): Tummy Tuck Featured Before & After Pictures